Location: Rancho Mirage
Top Things to do in Rancho Mirage
10 Things to Do in Rancho Mirage That You Shouldn't Miss
Located in the sunny Coachella Valley area of California, Rancho Mirage offers the perfect place to enjoy nearby Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Cathedral City, but it’s also a fabulous destination in its own right. With four courses in Rancho Mirage, not counting the surrounding areas, we guarantee you’ll find something you like. Like the late Bob Hope in days gone by, you’ll love teeing up among the palms! Rancho Las Palmas Country Club and Spa features three nine-hole courses designed by Ted Robinson. The Rancho Mirage Country Club has a PGA clubhouse, views of the San Jacinto Mountains as well as first-class driving ranges and practice facilities. Or put your clubs at the condo for the day and attend one of the many pro-golf tournaments in the area, including the ANA Inspiration. Rancho Mirage welcomes families in a big way! You and your children can explore the abundance of activities for all ages. Try the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert or Joshua Tree National Park. At the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens, get up close and personal with desert animals from North America and Africa of every shape and size. Book a tour or explore the grounds on your own time table. Ride a camel, see an eagle and pet a turtle.
Restaurants in Rancho Mirage
1. Sunnylands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
Sunnylands, a 200-acre midcentury modern estate, opened March 2012 for high-level retreats of leaders seeking solutions. The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to building international understanding, advancing world peace, improving the functioning of government and other purposes through high-level retreats for global leaders from a spectrum of fields.The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands welcomes national and international leaders for high-level retreats and meetings that address and seek solutions to serious issues facing the nation and world. Sunnylands, the former winter residence of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, is available also for limited public tours with purchase of a ticket. The adjacent Sunnylands Center & Gardens, open free to the public, features exhibitions, films, and educational programs; and visitors can enjoy a nine-acre garden. The historic house and Sunnylands Center & Gardens opened March 1, 2012. Sunnylands Center & Gardens is closed June 5 through September 13, 2017. Reopens September 14, 2017.
Reviewed By TTSGarden - Cerrillos, New Mexico
My husband and I were vacationing here for just one weekend. There were no tickets available for the home tour but we decided to show up to do the garden tour. It is well worth it. Our tour guide Grace was fabulous and informative.
2. Fountain of Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Maureen S - London, Canada
What a lovely municipal water fountain and climbing sculpture, which is user friendly, inviting kids to enjoy all aspects of the water feature. Located to the left of Mary Pickford theater just off 111.
3. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The botanical gardens of this park offer great opportunities to see desert vegetation.
Reviewed By SUZSVE
Living Desert Gardens was a worthwhile trip in Palm Desert for adults and kids alike. It's a good walking experience or sign up for the $6 all day shuttle if you don't have much time or need help with mobility. The cost is reasonable per person and Costco had a coupon for a cheaper rate when we attended. Also, there's a senior and military rate. Children under two and younger are free. There are many animals to see along with feedings and different demonstrations. Start your day early there, as it gets busy quickly and you need the time if you hope to see it all. When we attended, there was a most impressive model train exhibit which was one of the best I've ever seen.
4. Children's Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
An interactive museum with hands-on exhibits allows children to explore and learn.
Reviewed By Martha A - Rancho Mirage, California
OMG!! This museum makes for a marvelous family outing. We visited (5 adults and one 5 year old) and would have stayed longer except we were getting hungry, and it was time for grandparents and child to head back to LA area. The museum is very interactive, has many levels of enjoyment and educational focus. Adults with youthful energy and balance can engage in many of the activities along with the children. There are thought provoking scientific exhibits. Children of all ages, as well as adults of all ages will be fascinated by the variety of the exhibits. I strongly recommend this wonderful venue in Rancho Mirage. It was so much fun, we nearly all forgot about engaging with our cell phones the entire time we were at the museum. At the time we left, I asked if adults were allowed to return without children. That's how much fun the adults had along with my 5-year old grand nephew.
5. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By MurrayTripp - Sheffield, United Kingdom
A lovely small gallery currently housing the interesting 'Lost and Found' exhibit. Great room of yellow felt to add to, our toddler loved adding some of his own pieces.
6. Palm Springs Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Reviewed By Kyle G - Calgary, Canada
If you’re looking for something to do for an afternoon, I would recommend the air museum. They have lots of planes and many exhibits. The view of the mountains when you go outside is breathtaking. I’ve been here twice and I will go again when I’m back in PS. I would highly recommend this place.
7. Araby Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Kim G - Calgary, Canada
This hike is accessible from Highway 111 with parking but no washroom facilities. Many switchbacks keep it from being too strenuous but hikers will ultimately see close-ups of several famous homes as well as as views of the valley and Palm Springs. Once at the top there are several directions one can venture off to or just have a seat on a rocky edge to rest and take in the wide open spaces.
8. El Paseo Shopping District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
A unique shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries... Shops, restaurants, art and more! Don't miss all the special events like Art Walk (1st Friday, Nov-May), Cruise Night (1st & 3rd Fridays through April), Jazz Concerts (Jan-Apr), Fashion Week (Mid-March) and so much more! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online.
Reviewed By HappyTravels5251 - Edmonton, Canada
This district has everything you could ask for shopping, good restaurants, entertainment, coffee shops etc. Starting in January each year there is a “Concert In the Desert” series on the grass area with local artists performing. We have been to three and all exceeded our...MoreThank you for taking the time to share your El Paseo experience! We love the Gardens Concert Series too... and agree, the Starbucks corner is the BEST for people watching! We hope to see you back again soon!
9. The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Glenn H - Thousand Oaks
This library has everything one would want or should expect. Great selection of videos, magazines as well as the expected offerings in a libraries' main attraction - books. Also, Rancho Mirage's library offers wonderful programs featuring speakers and musicians. This is definitely a unique oasis of information, enjoyment and enlightenedment in the desert.
10. Indian Canyons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Thomas K - Cape Elizabeth, Maine
After all the glitz of Palm Spring and Palm Desert here is a magical oasis. Peaceful, beautiful, unexpected, etc are appropriate adjectives. Walking along the canyon is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Palm Springs and Palm Desert are certainly wonderful places to go to for vacation. Visiting the Indian Canyons is a way to experience the real nature of this place.
TAGS
